Our Community

joined hands

Mission

The community relations mission of Luther Burbank Savings is to use our resources and abilities to improve the lives of our neighbors in all segments of society. This is a fundamental characteristic of our company’s values. Our efforts center on making a positive impact on the markets where we live and work as represented by our support of many local events and organizations through financial contributions, resource donations and staff volunteering.

As a conscientious corporate citizen, Luther Burbank is committed to fulfilling our responsibility as a community member by participating in solutions for positive change. We are dedicated to those we serve because our employees greatly care about the needs of children, the hungry and those who are disadvantaged. By collaborating with a variety of agencies, we can serve as a catalyst for progressive transitions. We offer a work environment where our employees accept volunteer opportunities in civic organizations in which they have an interest. When you do business with Luther Burbank, you directly benefit the community we all enjoy.


Corporate Giving

We conscientiously identify opportunities to strengthen our community. When we first opened 25 years ago, we collaborated with the United Way of the Wine Country in providing financial support for agencies that assist the basic needs of families and children, enhance the quality of life of senior citizens and improve the vitality and livability of neighborhoods, especially those of the underserved. Today, we continue to observe a policy of matching the monetary gifts given by our employees to United Way.

A partial list of other charitable service organizations that received our support during the years 2007-2008 includes:

American Cancer Society Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
American Heart Association North Coast SCORE
American Red Cross Redwood Empire Food Bank
Arts Council of Sonoma County Ronald McDonald House
Boys & Girls Clubs Salvation Army
Children's Village Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Foundation
Council on Aging Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial
Earle Baum Center for the Blind Schools Plus
East Palo Alto Kids Foundation Sonoma County Housing Coalition
Fair Housing of Marin Sonoma County Schools - Youth Business Week
Hanna Boys Center Sonoma County Task Force on Homelessness
Homeaway from Homelessness Southwest Community Health Center
Hospice by the Bay Sutter VNA & Hospice
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Theatreworks
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation
LITA (Love is the Answer) of Marin Volunteer Center of Sonoma County
Living Room of Sonoma County Women's Recovery Services

Charitable Giving Guidelines

Charitable contributions and sponsorships must be for organizations that are located within the bank’s market area. Contributions are made only to qualified 501(c)3 organizations or public agencies. These donations are usually for implementation of a specific program or service. Sponsorships are monies paid to promote a qualified organization’s activity (i.e. a community workday, volunteer recognition program, golf tournament, fundraising dinner or walk, etc.). Through participation as a sponsor of an event, we hope to benefit the goals of designated non-profits and enhance the bank’s visibility.

children

child in school

helping hands

As a general indicator of giving guidelines, we will consider support for efforts that benefit the following:

  • Children and Families
  • Senior Citizens
  • Food Assistance Programs
  • Housing
  • Health Services
  • Schools/Education
  • Community Development
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Volunteerism
  • Financial Literacy

Particular attention will be given to philanthropic enterprises that serve a multi-cultural population and can demonstrate an immediate and successful impact.


Funding Restrictions

The following prospective recipients and activities are not eligible:

  • Political parties, candidates, causes or campaigns
  • Organizations practicing unlawful discriminatory practices
  • Activities that generate a tangible or personal return
  • Sectarian or denominational religious interests
  • Labor organizations
  • Capital campaigns

Applying for Financial Support

Luther Burbank Savings community relations’ efforts are designed to continually reaffirm our longstanding commitment to helping others. Support for an organization can include volunteer recruitment, executive and technical assistance, in-kind donations, monetary donations and sponsorships.

We prefer to contribute to specific programs and events. To apply for a contribution to your organization, you may use our Application for Financial Support or address your request in a letter. Please provide the following information:

  • Proposal Summary
  • Project Budget
  • Organization’s Purpose
  • Organization’s Operating Budget
  • Current List of Board Members
  • Any other information you feel important for Luther Burbank Savings to consider when reviewing your request

Please Note: Applications must be from a nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization. An IRS letter of determination to validate exemption status may be required. Requests will be evaluated based on merit and level of Luther Burbank Savings volunteer involvement.

Please Send All Requests To:
Michael Arendt
Luther Burbank Savings
816 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 523.9875
E-mail: marendt@lbsavings.com

Microsoft Word fileApplication for Financial Support